How to choose a car seat for a child from 6 months?

Car seat significantly increases the safety of the child in the car. Legislation obliges parents to apply them, and every day more and more people realize the need to use restraining devices for children. The choice of such devices today is quite large, on the market there is a huge variety of their modifications. A child at 6 months is still very small, his height is about 68-72 cm. Therefore, finding a suitable car seat is not easy.

The European Safety Standard (ECE R44 / 03 of the Universal series) defines the classification of car seats for children from 5 groups. They vary depending on the age limit and weight of the child, and help choose the right models for each child. The standard sets certain parameters of the chair depending on the group.

• Group 0. The weight of the passenger is from 0 to 10 kg, age 0-1 year.
• Group 0+. Passenger weight from 0 to 13 kg, age from 0 to one and a half years.
• Group 1. The weight of the passenger is from 9 to 18 kg, age 1-4 years.
• Group 2. The weight of the passenger is from 15 to 25 kg, age 3-7 years. Car seat with booster. In such a car seat, it is already possible to fasten the child’s car after 4-5 years with an outer belt. The back can be removed, while the seat remains. Such seats are called booster. The device is fastened with straps on the back seat face in the direction of movement.
• Group 3. Passenger weight from 22 to 36 kg, age 6-10 years.

By the type of device car seats are of several types.

• Car carrier. It assumes the lying position of the child and the fixation of the belt. A protective lining under the head, a soft and reliable fastener system makes such car seats comfortable from birth.

• Carrier chair. In the car, these chairs are put back to the front, which is a prerequisite for the safety of children up to a year. In them it is possible to take both reclining and sitting position.

• Frame car seat. Plastic seat with a soft cover, with several adjustable backrest positions. Some models suggest a horizontal decomposition for sleeping on the road. Usually car seats in this category are placed on the back sofa of the car facing forward.

• Seat-lined. Use is possible only for children of the older age group, for which transportation is provided in the child car seat.

Children's car seats vary in different parameters.

• age and weight group;
• fastening in the car - regular seat belts, special fastening systems;
• comfort for the child and parents - the presence of a carrying handle, adjustable backrest, headrest, reinforced armrests, five-point seat belts;
• appearance and durability - the material of the cover is preferable from a dense, pleasant fabric, and the cover should be easily removable for washing.

A child from six months is well suited car seat category 0 +. This is a portable device, and it can be used both for a one-month baby and for a one-year-old passenger. Such carrying is calculated to a weight of 13 kg.

For children who are already confidently sitting at 6 months, you can pick up a chair from group 1, in which you can travel up to 3 years and older. And also it is possible to consider a transforming chair, which, if used carefully, is enough for a child under 12 years old.

The car seat should correspond to the age and weight group of exploitation. It is desirable that the car seat be marked ECE R44 / 03 or ECE R44 / 04.

A child car seat up to 3-5 years old should be equipped with built-in devices for fastening. Seat belt lock must be protected by a soft gasket.

The most important factor in assessing the safety of a car seat is the result of crash tests. Under laboratory conditions, an emergency imitation is made, and damage to the dummies inside the vehicle is assessed.

In Europe, the most popular assessment of the German club ADAC. They have developed a whole classification of the safety assessment of car seats for children. It includes protection in case of an accident, the reliability of holding the child and installation in the car, convenience, environmental friendliness.

In Russia, the certification of children's car seats is optional, so many purchase restraints that do not pass on to safety standards. At the same time, parents should understand that the requirements for these standards protect the child from possible injuries. The consequences of such an acquisition can be tragic.

The rating of the best models of car seats is constantly updated, manufacturers of quality car seats are improving their achievements.

Convenient and safe autolumber category 0+. Of the minuses of this model is the high cost of the cover and the large size of the installation space. Price - about 35,000 rubles.

More budget option in the same group. Of the minuses note the difficulty in properly installing the chair. Price - about 9,500 rubles.

Convenient car seat category 0+. It has the option of installation on the stroller base of the same company. The price is around 17,000 rubles.

Group 0-1. A good model for children weighing up to 18 kg, age category from 0 to 3-4 years. It has enhanced protection. Price - about 37,000 rubles.

Group 0-1. When installed backwards, the car seat can assume a sleeping position. After one and a half years, the car seat can be set facing forward, tilt adjustment is maintained. The big disadvantage is the heavy weight and cumbersome design. Price around 25,000 rubles.

For information on how to choose a baby car seat, see the following video.